November 3, 2008

Take

Note

Calendar Highlights

Wed. Nov. 5 Third Grade to McWane Center Thurs. 6 Eighth Grade Visits JCIB Fri. 7 All School Community Meeting Block Out Hunger Program Spencer Center 8:05 a.m. Basketball Registration New Deadline—See Page 5 Tues. 11 Veteran’s Day School/Offices Closed Wed. - Fri. 12 - 14 Middle School Exams Schedule under Take Note Section First Grade Play for Parents 8:15 a.m. Spencer Center First Grade Play for Students 10:00 a.m. Fri. 21 All School Community Meeting-Irish Dancing Middle School Dance 6:00-9:00 p.m. GYM

The November Color/Number Day Schedule can be found on page 3.

Middle School Exam Schedule

1st

Trimester 2008

Wednesday, November 12

6th Grade – English and Foreign

Language 7

th Grade – Math and Foreign

Language 8

th Grade – Math and Foreign

Language

Thursday, November 13

6th Grade – Social Studies

7th Grade – Science

8th Grade – English

Friday, November 14

6th Grade – Math and Science

7th Grade – English and Social

Studies 8

th Grade – Social Studies and

Science

Attention Parents: Wednesday, November 5 is the deadline to notify

Peggy Darby of any Sally Foster damages or needed corrections. Once the order correction form is submitted

replacement items should arrive in

7 - 10 business days.

Ni Hao Parents, Greetings from Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province in China. Amy Mendel and I are attending the International Principals' Forum this week along with principals, heads, and superintendents from England, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Jiangsu Province. We begin this week after an extremely successful week of traveling with the Highlands School delegation to Jiangsu Province. Fifty-six faculty, students, parents, administrators, grandparents, and friends traveled to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou. The highlight for most of us was visiting an elementary school in Nanjing where our students played basketball, attended calligraphy and Peking Opera classes, and performed in a talent show. We also had the honor of representing the State of Alabama at Jiangsu's Celebration of Thirty Years of Friendly Relations where we sang "America, the Beautiful," the "Alabama State Song," and "Oh, Susannah." That evening, we were treated by the Jiangsu government to an elegant banquet where several of us met and toasted the governor of Jiangsu Province. I suspect that many of our group may be feeling a bit sluggish by the end of school today since their bodies will be thinking it is the middle of the night. They are also going to be so excited to see their friends and taste American food! Ms. Mendel and I will return to Birmingham on Sunday night and look forward to seeing you on Monday! Have a wonderful week!

Kathryn Woodson Barr

Page 2 HIGHNOTES

EDP Students Visit Ruffner Mountain

Last week during the Parent/Teacher Conferences the EDP staff planned a special outing for the students who stayed in EDP care during the day. The first stop was at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (RMNC) to enjoy a presentation on wildlife. The students learned about owls, snakes, salamanders and turtles.

Following this presentation the students set out on a hike to visit to the RMNC new wetlands preservation area. Michelle Reynolds, a member of RMNC Board, served as the teacher for the students and guided them through a mile long hike and learning about the plants that are found in the wetlands area. While in the wetlands area the students were excited to see tadpoles and various water bugs. After their visit and picnic lunch at RMNC the students were treated to an onsite visit at the Pucker Powder Company, owned by Scott and Kathy Green (parents of Alex and Madalyn – Kindergarten). The students were able to learn how their favorite Pucker Powder was made and even try their hands at making their own candy. The best part was getting to sample the results of their creations.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Scott Green who helped make this wonderful and educational day possible. The students enjoyed every minute of their special outing.

Middle School Week in Review

With some of their classmates in China, Middle School students stayed busy in and around Birmingham. With a Scholars Bowl tournament, special trips, and other activities, the students and teachers had a memorable week.

On Saturday, October 25, the Middle School Scholars Bowl team traveled to Montgomery to participate in the Scholars’ Academic Challenge. Seventh graders Elizabeth Anne Brown, Jack O’Malley, and Patrick Scalise, and sixth grader Will Pannell, knew they were in for a tough competition as the tournament was open to students in grades six through nine. Eighteen teams competed in three pools of six. Highlands won 3 of their 5 preliminary matches, losing only to teams of older students. Their excellent performance qualified them for the playoff round. In the first playoff match, they faced the dominant team from the preliminary round for the second time. Although Highlands was not able to prevail, the team did cut the margin of victory in

half. Congratulations to these students on their excellent representation of Highlands School!

The 8th graders treated the fifth grade and the Middle School to a high quality mock presidential

debate on Monday, October 26. Roderick Smith represented the views of Senator John McCain, and Mac Muse stood for Senator Barack Obama. Hunt Jackson, Jake Martin, and Owen McCor-mick acted as moderators. All the students displayed a thorough grasp of the issues from the bailout plan to renewable energy to national security and more. They also explained their vice-presidential choices and gave personal information about the candidates. Many thanks to Middle School Social Studies teacher Candace Ware for organizing the debate and to the students for their superior preparation.

On Tuesday, the seventh and eighth graders went to the Birmingham Museum of Art for the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit. First, the students viewed the da Vinci drawings, including a drawing of the Virgin of the Rocks, designs for flying machines, and drawings of human muscles. Then, they visited the Modern Square exhibit and the Creek Indian display. They had the opportunity to throw spears at moving objects in a Native American game called Chunkey and to make traditional Native American pots.

Wednesday the seventh and eighth graders visited the McWane Center. After time in the exhibi-tion halls, they participated in the Labworks program, a hands-on laboratory experience. Our students’ experiment simulated a crime scene. They students took DNA samples and separated them, tested the blood types of synthetic blood products, and examined hair and fibers under a microscope. Using these processes, they solved the crime of Opie the Missing Chinchilla.

Article continued on page 3

HIGHNOTES Page 3

November 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

3

Day: 2

Color:

Orange

4

Day: 3

Color:

Yellow

5

Day: 4

Color:

Green

6

Day: 5

Color: Blue

7

Day: 1

Color: Red

8

9

10

Day: 2

Color:

Orange

11

VETERAN’S

DAY

HOLIDAY

12

Day: 3

Color:

Yellow

13

Day: 4

Color:

Green

14

Day: 5

Color: Blue

15

16

17

Day: 1

Color: Red

18

Day: 2

Color:

Orange

19

Day: 3

Color:

Yellow

20

Day: 4

Color:

Green

21

Day: 5

Color: Blue

22

23

24

Day: 1

Color: Red

25

Day: 2

Color:

Orange

26

Thanksgiving

HOLIDAY

27

Thanksgiving

HOLIDAY

28

Thanksgiving

HOLIDAY

29

Middle School Review continued from page 2

Mr. Scott Wilson, a former Highlands parent and a former President of the Board Trustees and the current Managing Director of Altec Worldwide, spoke to the students Thursday morning about his experiences traveling in China. His vibrant pictures and vivid stories gave our students a sense of visiting and doing business there. He had great pictures of everyday life in Shanghai and Beijing as well as amazing pictures of authentic Chinese food. Students also enjoyed hearing about some of the cultural differences.

After Mr. Wilson’s presentation, the sixth grade headed to Vulcan Park. First, the students took a guided tour of the museum where they saw how pig iron is made and learned how Vulcan was created. Then, they learned some Birmingham history, including the city’s role in World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. When students visited the map area, they saw the areas where iron ore, limestone, and coal are found. The highlight of the trip was going the top of the Vulcan statue overlooking the city.

We finished the week with a special lunch. In Mexico, families celebrate the Day of the Dead on October 31. Thanks to Pride Forney and the other Middle School parents, the Middle School students enjoyed a traditional Mexican feast complete with black beans, chicken and peppers, authentic tamales, and churros. The students also received information on Day of the Dead festivities as well as Mexican gum and soft drinks. Again, thanks to all of the members of the Highlands community who contributed to make last week such a special one for the Middle School!

HIGHNOTES Page 4

Dear Highlands Families: Get out your khaki! The Book Fair Safari is coming up. To begin to build excitement about our book fair we began collecting donations for ONE for BOOKS this week, and will continue collecting them until the book fair opens. This year, one of our Scholastic Book Fair goals is to put more books in our classroom libraries. You can help us meet our goal by participating in One for Books. All of the money collected through One for Books goes directly to purchasing books for your child’s classroom. Students will sign an acacia leaf book slip for every dollar they donate to add to their class tree. Scholastic will match the monetary donations raised with a donation of up to one mil-lion books to three non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families in need. Their partner organizations are: Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., National Center for Family Literacy, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Please send your donation to school with your child. Checks should be made out to Highlands School, and will not be deposited until after the book fair in early December. On behalf of our students and teachers, thank you! We hope you can visit our Family Fun Night- the Book Fair Safari kick off in the Learn-ing Center from 2:30 until 7:30 on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. Plan to visit Family Fun Night between 5:30 and 7:30 for our P.J. Story time, we will have guest readers, fun snacks, and make binoculars for our safari! Sincerely, Ms. Baker and the Scholastic Book Fair Parents Auxiliary Committee

HIGHNOTES Page 5

Highlands’ Basketball Registration Form Deadline Extended to Friday, November 7

PLEASE RETURN THE REGISTRATION FORM AND A BIRTH CERTIFICATE PHOTOCOPY

TO THE BASKET AT THE FRONT DESK IN THE OFFICE.

Student Last Name: ____________________________________ First Name: ________________________________

Gender: ___________ Grade: _________ D.O.B.: ____________________ Age as of 8/31/08__________________

Emergency Contact Name: ________________________________________ Phone number: ___________________

Parent Information:

Home Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: ______________________ Cell Phone: ___________________

E-mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________ City/State: ______________________ Zip: _____________

____ Player will use last year’s jersey _____ Jersey number ______ Player will use last year’s shorts

**We must have the jersey number to prevent duplication. ** ____ Player will need new jersey Jersey size: YS YM YL AS AM AL AXL

____ Player will need new shorts Shorts size: YS YM YL AS A M AL AXL

Please list any significant medical conditions which may affect your child’s ability to participate.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

I am willing to help: __ coach __ assist. coach __ team parent __concession stand __ scoreboard

Parent volunteer e-mail address: ____________________________________________________________________

Please do not send a check with your registration form as the school financial office will bill you. Please include birth certificates for new players with this registration form.

RELEASE

As a parent or guardian of the Child named above (the “Child”) who is a candidate for a position on a basketball team offered through Highlands School (the “School”) and in consideration of the school permit-ting the Child to participate in its sports program, I hereby agree to assume all risks and hazards incidental to the Child’s participation in the sports program. Further, I hereby release, indemnify and agree to hold High-lands School, its officials, managers, and coaches harmless from and against all liability for any personal in-jury to the Child arising directly or indirectly from the Child’s participation in the sports program. I understand that this release, indemnity and hold harmless agreement applies even though the personal injuries of the Child may result in whole or in part from the negligence of the School, its officials, managers or coaches. In the event this registration is not signed by both parents and all guardians of the Child, I hereby represent that my consent to its terms and conditions binds such other parent or guardian and I understand that the consent of all parents or guardians is an express condition to the School’s acceptance of the Child in the program. I understand the School does not carry medical and accident insurance coverage for participants in its sports program and I assume full responsibility for all medical and hospital expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Child for injuries directly or indirectly caused by the Child’s participation in this sports program. _______________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date Signature of Parent(s) or Guardian(s)

HIGHNOTES Page 6

Highlands School Extended Day Program

Spring 2009 Contract Addendum

Dear Highlands’ Parents:

As we approach the Spring Semester, please choose the appropriate EDP care and activity options for your

child(ren). The deadline is November 12th, 2008!

You may choose to keep the same contract choices as the Fall Semester (no need to do anything*).

You may choose to add an activity or EDP package to your contract.

You may choose to discontinue an activity or EDP package from your contract.

If you do nothing, all your choices will remain the same and you will be billed!

Simply fill out this form to make these changes. If your child did not participate in EDP in the Fall, either for

EDP care or activities, you will need to fill out a 2008-2009 Extended Program or After School Activities

Contract. I can email it to you directly or you may pick one up at school. Look over the contract to see what

Highlands School Extended Day Program has to offer! We have lots of cool activities. If you are unsure if an

activity is open, feel free to contact me with any questions. Gabe McCool at 956-9731 ext. 105 or

gmccool@highlandsschool.org

*If you would like things to remain the same,

you do not have to do anything and you will be billed accordingly.

_____ Please add our child ___________________ to _______ __ for the cost of $__ ___.

Activity

_____ Please add our child ________________________ to ______________________

EDP Package

Check the days.

___ Monday ___ Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday

_____ Please drop our child _____________________ from ______________________.

Activity

_____ Please drop our child _____________________ from ______________________.

EDP Package

Check the days.

Please select from above, fill out and sign the contract. Return the contract to the business office no later than

November 12th.. If you wish to keep the same contract choices, there is no need to turn in this form. If form

is not received by deadline, you will automatically be billed for continued participation.

Witness our hands this day of , 2008. THE HIGHLANDS DAY SCHOOL FOUNDATION By Father’s Signature or Legal Guardian’s Signature Extended Day Program Director

Effective Date: Mother’s Signature or Legal Guardian’s Signature Please print names as signed above

___ Monday ___ Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday